Poll reveals 77% of South Australians support rate capping

Landmark polling has revealed that almost 80 per cent of South Australians support council rate capping, with 85 per cent of SA Best voters backing the policy.

The Property Council-commissioned poll, which took place between 31 July and 4 August, canvassed the views of 300 metropolitan and regional South Australians with a maximum margin of error of ±6 per cent.

“Put simply, there is overwhelming support for council rate capping as a policy initiative,” said Property Council SA Executive Director Daniel Gannon.

“Rate capping was overwhelmingly popular amongst those surveyed, and despite South Australians holding their local council in high regard, they don’t think rates paid are good value for money.

“The data shows very clearly that people don’t want large rate increases and, if rate capping can counter this as a policy initiative, they are willing to support it.

“Interestingly, the support for rate capping is positive across voters from different political parties, with the strongest support for the policy coming from SA Best and the Liberal Party.

“In fact, only 5 per cent of SA Best voters oppose rate capping as a policy, which should serve as an important policy insight for Legislative Councillors Connie Bonaros and Frank Pangallo.

“The onus is now on SA Best to consider how they want to represent 85% of their constituents who support rate capping and applying a magnifying glass on spending.

“These results demonstrate strong support across South Australia for policies that can reduce the cost of living and cost of doing business in the state.”

Mr Gannon said council amalgamations also received majority support from the public, as long as any merger was voluntary and designed to reduce duplication and costs.

“These results actually come from a good place – South Australians generally have a favourable view of their local councils, but they support rate capping and amalgamations.

“However, councils do best when they stick to core business – waste collection, landscaping and public space maintenance.”